Federal Government rules out increase in power bills, reassures citizens

The Federal Government has categorically denied rumors of a forthcoming increase in electricity tariffs, emphasizing that there are no intentions to raise tariffs for any category of consumer connected to the grid.

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In a formal statement released on X on Saturday, Sadiq Wanka, the Special Adviser to the President on Power Infrastructure in the Office of the Vice President, clarified that media reports had misinterpreted his earlier comments.

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Wanka stated, "There is no planned tariff hike for any grid consumer across any service band, and the government remains committed to protecting vulnerable households through continued tariff support."

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He explained that his initial remarks, delivered during a presentation at the Asharami Square 3.0 event in Lagos on July 22, 2026, focused on investment opportunities in the power sector and the government's long-term reform agenda.

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The statement further noted that Wanka's comments addressed investment opportunities in the power sector and how the Federal Government's reform programme has opened new avenues for investors across the power value chain.

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Wanka reaffirmed the direction set out in the National Integrated Electricity Policy, which was finalized in December 2024 and approved by the Federal Executive Council in May 2025.

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The statement added that, in this context, Wanka reaffirmed the tariff policy direction set out in the National Integrated Electricity Policy, a long-standing, publicly available policy of gradually transitioning to cost-reflective tariffs, already implemented for 'Band A' electricity consumers.

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Wanka emphasized that subsidies will remain in place for other consumer categories, stating that there is no plan to remove them.

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Rather, the Government is exploring ways to deliver value and support more efficiently, according to the statement.

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The special adviser highlighted the Power Consumer Assistance Fund (PCAF), enabled by the Electricity Act 2023, as a mechanism for delivering targeted subsidies directly to vulnerable consumers.

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This mechanism will improve transparency and strengthen investor confidence by delivering subsidies through consumer electricity accounts or other identity-linked means, the statement said.

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The government also acknowledged the crucial role of the media in public communication, recognizing the vital part journalists play in policy communication.

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The administration of President Bola Tinubu expressed its appreciation for the media's support, counting on their continued cooperation in this important national duty.